Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Your dentist will most often recommend deep teeth cleaning, also frequently called scaling and root planing, if it has been determined that you have gum disease. If left untreated, your gum disease will result in serious infections and even tooth loss.
Deep teeth cleaning is the removal of plaque from your teeth below the gumline to eliminate the primary source of the infection. The procedure is more extensive than a regular proactive teeth cleaning, where the dentist removes the plaque from your teeth above the gumline.
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Process
Deep teeth cleaning includes the following steps:
- The Evaluation Diagnosis- Before starting your deep clean, your dentist will have evaluated your gum disease by measuring the tiny gap between your teeth and gums. If the gap is more than 3mm then this is an initial indication of gum disease. They will also identify any swelling, bleeding, or if any teeth are loose.
The three levels of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis can be easily treated with a regular teeth cleaning, but both periodontitis and advanced periodontitis will require a deep teeth cleaning.
Your dentist will also take x-rays as periodontitis can result in bone loss, which x-rays will show.
- Your First Deep Teeth Cleaning Appointment- A full mouth deep teeth cleaning is usually completed over two appointments. A local anesthetic is used to numb and treat one side of your mouth at a time. Your dentist then uses a small dental tool to remove the damaging plaque and tartar from the teeth below your gumline.
For stubborn tartar, your dentist may use an ultrasonic device which vibrates to remove the plaque and tartar.
- Your Second Deep Teeth Cleaning Appointment- With your second appointment, the other side of your mouth is treated. They will also exam the first side to see how it is recovering from the deep teeth clean.
Each appointment might take about 90 minutes. You could need to have additional treatment in the form of an antibiotic gel placed into the pocket between the teeth and gums.
You might also be prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection.
- Your Follow-up Appointment- When both sides are completed, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment in around two weeks. At this appointment, they will measure the size of the pockets to confirm they have been reduced.
How Often is Deep Teeth Cleaning Needed?
Deep teeth cleaning is necessary to treat gum disease. You should only need one deep teeth cleaning, provided you exercise proper oral hygiene from that point on. Six-month checkups and regular teeth cleaning will also be necessary to prevent your gum disease from returning.
Are There Disadvantages to Deep Teeth Cleaning?
As with most medical procedures, deep teeth cleaning can still have a few risks. There is no research on the disadvantages of deep teeth cleaning, but some issues can include sensitivity, some bleeding, or sore gums after the procedure.
Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Teeth Cleaning?
It is highly unlikely your teeth will fall out after having your treatment. You might feel that your teeth are looser after having the treatment. This is caused by the removal of the tartar from the pockets creating a gap, which can cause your teeth to feel loose. With healing, your gums will reattach to the teeth, making your teeth feel secure again. The x-rays taken at your initial evaluation will document any potential for tooth loss.